Fluorinated surfactants

1. A composition of formula I

[R f (CH 2 ) m (O) n ] x -A

wherein

R f is a straight or branched perfluoroalkyl group having from about 2 to about 20 carbon atoms, or a mixture thereof,

m is a positive integer equal to or greater than 3,

n is 1,

x is 1,

A is —SO 2 B″ wherein,

B is N(R 2 ) 2 or N(CH 2 CH 3 )(CH 2 CH 2 OH), and

R 2 is C 1 to O 4 alkyl.

2. The composition of claim 1 further comprising a surface treatment agent.

3. The composition of claim 2 wherein the surface treatment agent provides a surface effect with or without ironing which is shrinkage control, wrinkle free, permanent press, moisture control, softness, strength, anti-slip, antistatic, anti-snag, anti-pill, stain repellency, stain release, soil repellency, soil release, water repellency, oil repellency, odor control, antimicrobial, or sun protection.

4. A method of lowering the tension at the surface of contact between two phases comprising contacting said surface with a composition of Formula I

[R f (CH 2 ) m (O) n ] x -A

wherein

R f is a straight or branched perfluoroalkyl group having from about 2 to about 20 carbon atoms, or a mixture thereof,

m is a positive integer equal to or greater than 3,

n is 1,

x is 1 to about 3, and

A is —SO 2 B″ wherein,

B is N(R 2 ) 2 or N(CH 2 CH 3 )(CH 2 CH 2 OH), and

R 2 is C 1 to O 4 alkyl.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein the composition acts as a leveling agent.

6. The method of claim 4 wherein the phases are each independently a fibrous surface or a hard surface.

7. The method of claim 4 wherein the composition is applied as a coating to a surface.

8. The composition of claim 1 wherein n is 1, A is —SO 2 B″ wherein and B is N(R 2 ) 2 .